PLAKES VILLAS

Situated in the heart of the Aegean Sea, between Santorini and Mykonos, Ios is famous for its numerous, unspoiled, sandy beaches. Dozens of kilometers of golden and white sand compose a scenery of rare, exotic beauty.

Together with its natural allure, Ios offers a combination of ancient history, myths and traditions. The 4500 years of human civilization left their traces in every corner of the island: from the Neolithic settlement of Skarkos (awarded the 2008 EU Prize for Cultural Heritage), the ancient walls of Chora and Homer's tomb to the medieval village, the Byzantine/Venetian Palaiokastro, the hundreds of Byzantine churches and the kilometers of centenarians hiking trails, the human creative presence is highly perceivable. 

 

Back in the 70’s Ios was known as something of a “hippie haven” and party hotspot. 

Today it still offers vibrant nightlife but has also moved on to re-brand as a truly authentic, luxury destination, with a rich mythological background. 

Legend has it that Homer took his last breath on the island and many visit his last resting place at Plakoto at the northernmost part of the island. 

Ios is typically Greek with its tiny whitewashed houses, small churches with painted blue roofs and narrow cobblestone streets. It is famous for its traditional windmills, which in the past were used to grind barley and wheat to make bread for the locals. Three of them have been restored to their former glory and are a real must-see.

The island of Ios embraces and actively promotes sustainable tourism in order to protect its cultural and natural heritage. Whether discovering it through the eyes of a tourist, a nature buff, an athlete or an artist, Ios will captivate your senses, your mind and your soul!

Ios is easily accessible and regular ferries run from Piraeus , Rafina, Santorini, Mykonos,  Crete and the rest of Cyclades.